Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Bedknobs and Broomsticks

film

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

1971

Three children evacuated from London during World War II are forced to stay with an eccentric spinster. The children's initial fears disappear when they find out she is in fact a trainee witch.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? The film is broadly family-friendly but includes wartime danger, frightening German commandos, imprisonment, pursuits, animated combat, and destruction. Fantasy comedy and reassuring outcomes soften the intensity, though younger children may need support. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard classic Disney film; no overt commercial product placement.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

No religious practice or themes; magic is portrayed as fantasy.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Features a light, burgeoning relationship between Eglantine Price and Emelius Browne that culminates in a family unit.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Young children might find the German invasion sequence or some of the animated animal figures slightly tense, but it remains G-rated material.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes a soccer match with animal characters and a climactic scene where enchanted armor fights off German commandos using non-lethal, slapstick tactics.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate courage by standing up against invaders and engaging in magical tasks.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Highly creative blend of live action and animation with imaginative magical concepts.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited in terms of real-world diversity, consistent with 1970s film production standards.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides a light introduction to the historical setting of the WWII Blitz, though mostly for atmosphere.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and cooperation are central to the characters' growth and success.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Promotes themes of family, sacrifice, bravery, and the importance of helping others, especially during difficult times.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters act with bravery and integrity, and the development of the surrogate family dynamic is positive.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Bedknobs and Broomsticks would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating